A new Washington Post-University of Maryland poll shows a flip-flop of sorts in the Maryland U.S. Senate race.  Six months ago, their polls showed Republican and former Governor Larry Hogan held a 14-point lead in the race over Price Georges’ County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.  In the newest poll, that edge has moved to 11 points, with the lead now held by Democrat Alsobrooks.  The Democratic National Committee on Friday announced that they are pumping an additional $75,000 into the Maryland race to support Alsobrooks, on top of $250,000 already invested to keep a Democrat in the Senate seat.

A federal judge last week ruled that the levels of fluoride added to drinking water in the United States poses an “unreasonable risk” of reduced IQ in children. Judge Edward Chen of the U.S. District Court of California ruled that a significant amount of evidence exists showing fluoride exposure may damage human health, particularly pregnant mothers and young children. The ruling concludes a years-long suit against the Environmental Protection Agency over fluoridation of the country’s water supply. The EPA has been ordered to lower the risks but did not dictate what measures to take.

  Gov. Jim Justice has issued a proclamation calling for the West Virginia Legislature to convene for a second Special Session of the year starting Monday, September 30, 2024.      The Governor’s Office and legislative leaders have been meeting for weeks to prepare for a Special Session. Together, they’ve been working on a plan to deliver tax relief, provide support for childcare, and tackle other key issues.   Gov. Justice released the following statement ahead of Monday’s Special Session:     "As I call this Special Session, the goal is clear that we need to help the hardworking people…

On Saturday, September 28, 2024 at approximately 10:22 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department responded to the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for a male subject climbing around and underneath the trains.  Police located and contacted the subject who was identified as Timothy Ryan.  Ryan was in the area that is posted as ‘No Trespassing’.  Ryan was placed under arrest and searched.  He was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Ryan was then transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center on…

On Saturday, September 28, 2024 at approximately 11:23 AM, officers of the Cumberland Police Department were working a traffic assignment in the area of Interstate 68 Eastbound at S. Johnson Street when a citizen reported a fight in progress.  The officers then observed two males actively assaulting each other.  Police responded to that location and separated the males.  One of the male subjects was identified as Eric Smith. After further investigation, Smith was determined to be the primary aggressor.  He was placed under arrest and transported to Central Booking.  He was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and released…

The Mayor and City Council of Cumberland will meet in public session beginning at 4:45 p.m. in the 2nd floor Conference Room of City Hall on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, for the purpose of immediately closing the meeting to receive legal advice regarding the Memorial Hospital Settlement Agreement.  The Open Work Session will then begin at 5:15 p.m. in the 2nd floor Conference Room.  The Mayor and City Council's regularly scheduled Public Meeting will be held at 6:15 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Council Chambers.

The Maryland Senate and Congressional Delegation have announced $15 million in U.S Department of Justice funding for the Maryland to provide financial assistance and support services to crime victims. The grants are provided through the DOJ Office of Justice Programs’ Office for Victims of Crime as part of its FY2024 Victims of Crime Act. DOJ’s Victim Compensation formula grants provide funding to supplement state programs that provide direct financial assistance and reimbursement to victims for crime-related out-of-pocket expenses, including medical care, counseling, funeral and burial expenses, and lost wages and income.

Congressman Dave Trone a Democrat is making a visit to Western Maryland this weekend to present big checks for area projects and to think constituents for their support over the years. Trone secured over 4 million dollars in federal community project funding during fiscal year 2024. Making his first stop in Cumberland Saturday to present a $1 million check to the Carver Center on Frederick Street to renovate the facility. Cumberland Mayor and city council were on hand for the presentation. Trone was given a tour of the progress of the Carver Center project before continuing his visit to Frostburg Planetarium…

On Friday, September 27, 2024, the Cumberland Police Department served two bench warrants on William Kirby.  The warrants were issued as the result of Kirby failing to appear in court.  In both cases, Kirby was originally charged with Trespass: Private Property.  Kirby was arrested and transported to Central Booking.  Kirby was later seen by a District Court Commissioner and posted two $1,000 unsecured bonds. ARRESTED:  William Douglas Kirby      AGE:  68           Cumberland, MD

The Experimental Aircraft Association is having their Wings and Wheels event this Sunday at the Cumberland Regional Airport, beginning at 8am. There will be vendors, a 50/50 raffle, various aircraft, and classic cars.  Money is raised each year to send a student to EAA Air Academy in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin to learn more about aviation.  Breakfast is $12 for adults and $6 for children. This will be the last breakfast of the year.